SCHROEDER 

he  intellectual  and  moral  resources 
of  horticulture 


SB 
105 
S38 


THE    INTELLECTUAL    AXD    MORAL    RESOURCES    OP    HORTICULTURE. 


AN 

ANNIVERSARY  DISCOURSE, 

fc 

PRONOUNCED  BEFORE 

THE  NEW-YORK  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY, 

AT  THE 
ANNUAL  CELEBRATION, 

AUGUST  26,  1828. 


BY  JOHN  FREDERICK  SCHROEDER,  A.  M. 

AX  ASSISTANT  MINISTER  OF  TRIJTITT  CHURCH,  15  THE  CITY  OF  NETV-TORK 
A  MEMBER  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 


Salve,  inagna  parens  frugum,  Saturnia  tellus., 
Magna  virum  :  tibi  res  antiquce  laudis  et  artis 
Tngredior,  sanctos  ausus  rccludere  fontes. 

TIRG.  GEOE.  II. 


NEW-YOBK  : 
PUBLISHED  AT  TUE  REQUEST  OP  THE  SO(  n-ri'T- 


S^NTA  FAItBAKA 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 


DAVID  HOSACK,  LL.D.  PRESIDENT. 

JOHN  R.  MURRAY,  Esq.      } 

JACOB  LORILLARD,  Esq.    >    VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

WILLIAM  NEILSON,  Esq    ) 

JOHN  GROSHON,  TREASURER. 

ABRAHAM  HALSEY,  COR.  SEC'F  &  LIBRARIAN. 

WILLIAM  R.  COOKE,  RECORDING  SEC'RY. 


COUNCIL. 

N.  H.  Carter, 

Andrew  Parmentier, 

G.  W.  Arnold, 

John  I.  Palmer, 

Michael  Burnham, 

William  Phelan, 

William  Curr, 

Thomas  Kinnersley, 

Gavin  Yuill, 

Charles  Henry  Hall, 

Nicholas  Saltus, 

Peter  Hatrick, 

Michael  Floy, 

William  Seaman, 

Samuel  L.  Mitchill, 

Israel  Dean, 

Thomas  Hogg, 

Peter  Aymar, 

Andrew  Clark, 

George  Newbold, 

Isaac  Adriance, 

Richard  Hatfield, 

William  Neale, 

James  M'Brair, 

Alexander  Smith, 

Charles  Oakley, 

Edward  Probyn, 

Francis  Cooper, 

William  Wilson, 

William  M.  Price, 

William  Fairbairn, 

Oliver  M.  Lownds, 

George  Nixon. 

William  M.  Ireland, 

Extract  from  the  Minutes  of  an  Extra  Meeting  of  the  "  NEW-YORK  HORTI- 
CULTURAL SOCIETY,"  held  on  the  2rf  September,  1828. 

ON  Motion,  it  was  unanimously  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Society 
be  presented  to  the  Rev.  JOHN  FREDERICK  SCHROEDER,  for  his  elegant  and 
classical  Address,  delivered  before  them  in  celebrating  their  tenth  Anniver- 
sary, and  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  request  a  copy  of  the  same  for 
publication. — Whereupon  the  following  persons  were  appointed '. 
WILLIAM  R.  COOKE,  fa 
WILLIAM  WILSON. 

WILLIAM  R.  COOKE, 

Recording  Secretary. 


New-York,  Sept.  3,  1828. 

DEAR  SIR, 

WE  have  much  pleasure  in  enclosing  you  a  copy  of  a  Resolution, 
passed  unanimously,  at  a  Special  Meeting  of  the  "  New-York  Horticultural 
Society,"  held  last  evening.  It  would  be  extremely  gratifying  to  us,  and  no 
doubt  so  to  every  member  of  the  Society,  if  you  will  do  us  the  favour  to  fur- 
nish a  copy  ot  the  able  and  eloquent  Discourse,  for  publication,  which  you 
delivered  before  them,  in  celebrating  their  tenth  Annual  Festival. 

In  making  this  request,  on  behalf  of  the  Society,  we  take  the  opportunity 
of  tendering  you  our  individual  thanks  for  the  high  satisfaction  which  it 

afforded  us. 

We  are,  Sir,  most  respectfully, 

Your  Ob't  Servants, 

WM.  R.  COOKE,      )   „ 

>  Com. 
WM.  WILSON,        $ 

To  the.  Rev.  JOHN  FREDERICK  SCHROEDER. 


New-York,  Sept.  4,  1828. 
GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  Communication,  enclosing  an  Extract  from  the  Minutes 
of  the  "  New-York  Horticultural  Society,"  is  a  flattering  assurance,  that 
my  endeavour  to  fulfil  the  pleasing  duty,  which  their  partiality  assigned  to 
me,  was  well  received.  Our  FRANKLIN  has  somewhere  observed,  that  while 
he  looked  on  human  nature,  he  was  agitated  by  a  conflict  of  sadness  and 
disgust  and  pity  ;  but  when  his  eye  reposed  in  contemplation  on  the  vegeta- 
ble kingdom,  all  that  he  beheld  was  "beauty,  harmony  and  peace."  Mv 
memory  may  be,  perhaps,  unfaithful  to  the  words,  but  1  am  conscious  that 
my  heart  is  true  to  the  emotion  of  the  great  philosopher.  And  amid  the  tur- 
moil of  party  politicks,  and  the  perplexities  of  commerce,  and  all  the  thorny 
mazes  of  our  busy  mart,  if  the  accompanying  Discourse  may  but  scatter  a 
few  flowers,  to  recreate  with  amiable,  pure  and  hallowed  sentiments,  any 
one  in  the  vast  crowd,  I  shall  be  abundantly  rewarded. 

Accept,  Gentlemen,  my  thanks  for  the  kind  manner  of  your  Communi- 
cation, and  believe  me, 

With  sincere  esteem, 

Your  Ob't  Servant, 

J.  F.  SCHROEDER. 
WM.  R.  COOKE,  &  WM.  WILSOK,  Esqrs.  Com. 


ANNIVERSARY  DISCOURSE, 


GENTLEMEN    OF    THE    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY, 

ASSEMBLED  at  this  interesting  season  of  the  year,  it  is  pecu- 
liarly proper  for  us  to  indulge  those  sentiments  which  our  Associ- 
ation would  inspire.  The  horn  of  plenty '  overflows  with  its 
abundant  fruits ;  the  gardens  arid  the  fields  are  glad ;  the  groves 
and  forests  are  resounding  with  a  cheerful  harmony.  And  while 
on  every  side  the  valleys  and  the  hills  rejoice,  we  may  appro- 
priately celebrate  our  festival. 

We  have  a  high  sanction  for  the  sympathies  which  we  have 
assembled  to  indulge.  When  the  Beneficent  first  chose  a  scene  to 
occupy  our  intellectual  and  moral  faculties,  having  "  planted  a 
garden  eastward  in  Eden,"  he  there  "  put  the  man  whom  he  had 
formed."  And  when  Earth,  and  "  all  which  it  inherit,"  shall 
have  passed  away,  within  the  precincts  of  a  future  world  the 
ransomed  shall  partake  of  joys,  that  are  depicted  under  the  allur- 
ing imagery  of  a  garden.  Refreshing  bowers  and  luxuriant 
verdure,  a  pure  crystal  stream,  sweet  fragrance  and  delicious 
fruits  were  man's  first  blessedness,  and  are  the  graphick  emblems 
of  that  final  bliss  which  is  reserved  for  him.*  It  was  a  Paradise 
that  we  have  lost ;  we  are  to  regain  a  Paradise. 

*  Compare  Gen.  ii,  8.  9, 10.  and  Rev.  ii.  7.  xxii.  1.2. 14. 


>, 


While  we  yield  to  the  emotions  which  are  suggested  by  our 
Anniversary,  we  may  be  enlivened  therefore  by  this  interesting 
thought : — We  are  engaged  in  the  promotion  of  an  object  suited 
to  man's  highest  earthly  destinies. 

It  is  calculated  to  afford  the  intellect  abundant  themes,  to 
which  a  patriarch's  long  life  might  with  unceasing  gladness  be 
devoted ;  for  it  extends  above,  beneath,  around  us,  rare  beauties 
that  are  without  limit,  and  varieties  that  are  without  end ;  it  is 
replete  with  the  animating  pleasures  of  discovery,  and  the  calm 
delights  of  contemplation.  It  is  calculated  also  to  affect  us  by 
yet  higher  and  more  wholesome  influences ;  for  it  can  act  upon 
the  heart  with  a  benignity,  that  has  power  to  allay  the  angry 
passions  of  the  breast ;  it  can  promote  our  peace  on  earth ;  and 
it  can  fill  us  with  pure  sentiments  and  holy  breathings. 

Let  us,  then,  exult  to-day,  in  these  attributes  of  our  subject. 

I.  We  have  said  that  it  was  calculated  to  engage  the  in- 
tellect. 

There  is  no  human  science  that  is  more  ample  in  its  range, 
or  more  attractive  in  its  multiplied  allurements.  It  unfolds  to 
the  astonished  view  a  living  landscape — the  wide  world ;  and  as 
its  votary  is  pointed  to  the  Eastern  and  the  Western  Hemis- 
phere, it  leads  him,  in  full  vision  of  the  extended  scenery,  to 
look  abroad.  It  then  invites  his  contemplation  to  the  bold  draft 
that  marks  its  outline. 

In  all  that  may  appear  so  wild  and  scattered,  in  these  multi- 
tudes that  teem  throughout  the  vegetable  kingdom,  it  discerns 
an  exquisite  gradation, 

*'  From  the  proud  woods,  whose  heads  the  sky  assail, 
To  the  low  violet  that  loves  the  dale." 

And  it  disposes  all,  with  a  regard  to  that  established  order,  which 
is  proclaimed  by  their  peculiar  characteristicks.     With  a  philo- 


• 


sophick  eye,  it  dwells  upon  the  parts  of  which  they  are  composed, 
and  it  again  developes  every  where  the  rudiments  of  "  heaven's 
first  law."  It  views  the  external  forms  which  plants  exhibit,  and 
sees  them  to  be  well-ordered  both  for  nourishment  and  repro- 
duction. It  names,  it  classifies,  and  it  describes  the  gifts  of 
Flora.  Within  the  bounds  of  four  and  twenty  classes,  it  brings 
no  less  a  multitude  than  thirty  thousand*  species.  It  beholds 
their  internal  organization.  It  explains  the  Physiology  of 
plants.t  It  sees  them  pass  through  their  successive  states,  from 
their  incipient  existence,  to  the  period  when  they  have  at- 
tained maturity,  and  sink  again  into  their  native  dust.  Their 
numerous  causes  of  disease  are  also  carefully  detected ;  the  fa- 
vourite places  of  their  habitation  are  distinctly  marked ;  and 
whatever  is  connected  with  the  peculiar  traits,  which  they  as- 
sume, is  made  a  theme  of  accurate  and  laborious  investigation.! 
The  details  resulting  from  this  scrutiny  abound  in  interesting 
facts. 

But  it  is  the  province  of  our  subject  to  indulge  a  range  yet 
wider.  It  investigates  the  geographical  distribution  §  of  the  vege- 
table families,  in  which  it  every  where  discovers  a  variety  the 
most  pleasing,  regulated  by  established  general  principles.  It 
explores  the  surface  of  the  globe,  with  a  regard  to  its  various 
qualities  of  soils  and  earths  ;  and  here  Geology  and  Chymistry, 
its  handmaids,  decorate  it  with  new  charms.  It  is  concerned 

*  See  Decandolle  aud  Sprengel's  Philosophy  of  Plants,  P.  II.  Sect.  122. 

t  An  excellent  popular  treatise  on  Vegetable  Physiology  is  contained  in 
the  Library  of  Useful  Knowledge,  P.  I.  No.  14.  Nov.  1827 

t  On  the  several  subjects  suggested  in  this  paragraph,  the  "  Philosophy 
of  Plants"  will  abundantly  supply  useful  information. 

§  The  "  Essai  sur  la  Geog.  des  Plantes  par  Al.  de  Humboldt  et  A  Bon- 
pland"  is  full  of  interest, 

B 


10 

also  to  improve  and  renovate  the  earth  by  fertilizing  agents; 
and  the  vegetable,  animal,  and  mineral  kingdoms  here  conspire 
in  its  cause.* 

With  an  admirable  ingenuity  excited  by  its  wants  and  its 
emergencies,  from  age  to  age  it  has  contrived  implements,  ma- 
chines, and  other  articles  of  mechanism.  In  the  history  of  these, 
is  comprehended  much  to  entertain  and  discipline  the  mind. 

With  a  parental  care,  it  rears  appropriate  stmctures,  for  the 
nourishment,  security  and  preservation  of  its  household  ;  it  erects 
larger  edifices,  both  for  use  and  ornament ;  and  it  disposes  all, 
with  a  regard  to  the  just  principles  of  taste.  Its  gardens  thus 
are  Landscapes,  where  the  useful  and  agreeable,  as  lights  and 
shades  in  the  chiaro-oscuro,  charm  the  eye. 

These  lovely  scenes  are  the  abode  of  the  aimable  genius  of 
Horticulture.  She  ranges  the  wide  world  with  an  indefatigable 
assiduity ;  she  gathers,  and  transfers,  and  naturalizes,  and  adapts 
to  our  use,  whatever  can  regale  the  senses.  And  it  is  her  envi- 
able occupation  "  to  dress  and  keep"  what  she  has  thus  gather- 
ed and  arranged.  A  boundless  theme  is  here  presented ;  it  is 
the  application  of  her  Art.  It  is  to  sow  ami  plant;  to  prune, 
to  train,  and  to  transplant ;  to  propagate  by  grafting,  cutting, 
budding,  layering  and  inarching.  And  connected  with  these 
operations  are  remarkable  phenomena,  that  lead  the  mind  to 
pleasing  and  to  elevating  thoughts;  for  it  may  thus  dwell  on 
many  of  the  most  interesting  pages  in  the  book  of  Nature. 

Both  as  a  SCIENCE  and  as  an  ART,  if  it  be  properly  apprecia- 
ted, Horticulture  is  abundant  in  resources.  It  has  occupied  the 


*  LOUDON,  in  his  Encyclopedia  of  Gardening,  Lend.  1827,  has  collected 
much  that  is  very  curious  and  instructive,  on  the  topicks  contained  in  this  and 
the  two  following  paragraphs. 


11 

meditations  of  the  learned,  in  all  countries  and  at  all  periods  of 
the  world,  as  is  demonstrated  by  its  Literature.  Within  its  gar- 
dens are  inscribed  the  names  of  Hesiod  and  Homer,  Aristotle 
and  Theophrastus,  Xenophon  and  ./Elian,  Cato,  Varro  and 
Palladius,  Martial  and  Horace  wandered  there.  Beneath  its 
shades,  and  in  its  cool  retreats,  a  Virgil  could  repeat  his  Eclogues. 
Dioscorides,  and  Pliny  too,  and  Columella  lingered  in  its  fra- 
grant walks.  All  these  conspire  to  commend  the  fascinations 
both  of  Flora  arid  Pomona.  To  their  shrine  each  realm  of  Eu- 
rope has  sent  multitudes  of  votaries.  From  Britain  the  ingen- 
ious Bacon,  and  the  philosophick  Evelyn,  and  the  poetick  Cow- 
ley  mingled  in  the  throng ;  and  in  their  train  were  Milton,  Ad- 
dison  and  Pope ;  Thomson,  Shenstone,  Cowper,  Mason  ;  Wai- 
pole,  Darwin  and  the  illustrious  Sir  Joseph  Banks.  And  from 
the  continent,  amid  a  bright  array  of  genius  and  learning,  we 
may  recognise  a  Buffon,  a  Delille,  and  a  Saint-Pierre,  in  France ; 
in  Germany,  a  Hirschfeld  and  a  Herder;  in  Swisserland,  a 
Conrad  von  Gessner ;  and  in  Sweden,  the  renowned  von  Linne. 
Such*  famed  scholars  and  historians,  poets,  statesmen  and  phi- 
losophers commend  our  subject  by  the  various  contributions, 
with  which  they  have  themselves  adorned  it.  To  dwell  in  con- 
templation on  those  spots,  which  by  their  presence  they  have 
consecrated,  gratifies  the  generous  mind. 

And  other  pleasing  themes  await  the  votary  of  Horticulture. 
With  a  retrospective  view,  he  may  recur  in  meditation  to  its 
Ancient  History,  and  be  refreshed  by  its  alluring  visions,  as 
they  pass  successively  before  him. 


*  It  may  be  invidious  to  select  from  the  distinguished  names  of  those  who 
have  adorned  and  illustrated  our  subject ;  but  it  has  been  my  aim,  to  present 
a  view  of  various  minds,  all  kindling  at  the  contemplation  ot  the  sam€  source 
of  light. 


12 

He  now  sees  man's  first  place  of  bliss, 

"  planted  with  the  trees  of  God, 

Delectable,  both  to  behold  and  taste." 

Now  the  gardens  of  the  Hesperian  nymphs,  with  every  classical 
embellishment,  attract  his  eye.  He  sees  the  Babylonian  terraces, 
which,  by  the  magnificence  of  art,  and  the  luxuriance  of  nature, 
formed  a  wonder  of  the  world.  The  pleasure-grounds  of  Solo- 
mon, described  in  Scripture  ;  and  the  gardens  of  Laertes  and 
Alcino  is,  which  Homer  has  immortalized  ;  the  far-famed  Sar- 
dian  retreat,  which  Cyrus  cultivated ;  the  Panchsean  paradise 
and  the  Orontian  grove,  here  rise  in  their  enchantment.  There 
appear,  the  celebrated  vale  of  Tempe  ;  and  the  Academus  and 
the  Lyceum,  each  associating  nature  in  her  loveliness  with  phi- 
losophy in  all  its  pride.  The  splendid  works  of  ancient  Roman 
sumptuousness  are  seen  displayed  by  a  Lucullus  and  a  Horten- 
sius  ;  and  to  these  villas  that  extend  round  the  Imperial  City, 
the  orators,  the  poets  and  the  philosophers  of  Rome  invite  the 
student  who  would  sympathize  in  their  emotions.  Such  is  the 
Ancient  History  of  Horticulture. 

And  the  first  rosy  light,  that  beamed  after  the  dark  ages, 
kindled  a  new  radiance  about  our  subject.  It  is  thus  encompas- 
sed by  the  attractions  of  its  Modern  History.  The  gardens  of 
Holland  and  the  Netherlands  feel  the  influence  of  Science  and 
the  Arts  revived.  The  atmosphere  of  Italy  and  France  next 
breathe  rich  odours.  They  soon  scent  the  isles  of  Britain  ; 
they  pervade  the  continent. 

This  department  of  our  subject  draws  its  copious  details  from 
the  political  and  moral  state  of  Europe,  while  the  last  four  hund- 
red years  have  been  inditing  their  momentous  records.  To  the 
understanding  of  the  intelligent  it  here  offers  a  rich  feast ;  for 
its  garlands  have  allured  the  eye  and  called  forth  the  emulation 


13 

of  the  Medici  in  Italy,  Louis  the  XIV  of  France,  Peter  the  Great 
of  Russia,  and  the  most  celebrated  literary  worthies,  and  bene- 
factors of  the  human  race,  in  every  region  of  the  world.  Since 
the  invention  of  the  Microscope  at  the  beginning  of  the  seven- 
teenth century,  the  most  wonderful  discoveries,  alluring  multi- 
tudes to  the  pursuit  of  vegetable  science,  have  given  animation 
to  their  diligence,  and  recompensed  their  toils. 

The  History  of  Horticulture  thus  puts  forth  its  buds  and  thus 
expands  its  flowers,  in  Ancient  and  in  Modern  times. 

When  the  inquirer,  who  is  curious  to  learn  its  present  state, 
ascends  that  eminence  from  which  its  groves  and  walks  may  be 
discerned,  his  interest  is  yet  further  heightened  by  the  most  glad- 
dening discoveries.  In  Europe,  a  fresh  impulse  to  investigation 
has  been  experienced;  and  many  a  distinguished  naturalist  on 
the  continent  is  emulous  to  obtain  a  wreath,  like  that  which  dec- 
orates the  brow  of  him  who  lately  towered  aloft, 

Quantum  lenla  solent  inter  viberna  cupressi* 

But  now,  alas  !  the  mournful  branches  of  the  funeral  tree  are- 
waving  over  him ;  yet,  with  the  distinctive  qualities  of  the  same 
cypress,  the  memory  of  the  immortal  Sir  James  Edward  Smitht 
shall  be  evergreen  and  everduring,  scmpcrvirens  et  sempiterna. 
Throughout  the  East,  new  stores  are  yet  continually  unfold- 


*  Virgil,  Eel.  I.  1.  26. 

t  This  great  naturalist,  the  President  of  the  Linnean  Society  of  London, 
breathed  his  last  on  the  17th  of  March  in  the  present  year.  The  tribute  that 
I  feebly  utter  is  dictated  by  an  ardent  admiration  of  his  rare  endowments. 
The  CUPRESSBS  sempervirens  I  have  called  also  sempiterna,  with  a  reference  to 
its  durability.  THEOPHRASTUS  says,  it  remains  uncorruptedyburgenerafa'orw, 
•nTT«£3«  yeit»i ;  PLINY  alleges  four  hundred  years,  quadringentis  annis  ;  and 
VITRUVIUS  ascribes  to  it  eternity,  ajternam  diuturnitatem.  See  Buxtorf, 
Geog.  Sacr.  col.  22. 


14 

ed  to  us ;  and  the  vegetable  treasures  within  South  America  ap- 
pear in  real  value  to  transcend  its  precious  mines. 

And  we  rejoice  also  at  beholding  in  our  happy  land,  a  scene 
at  which  the  Horticulturist  has  cause  to  glory.  We  have  alrea- 
dy, as  a  people,  enriched  by  numerous  treatises  and  volumes, 
the  Library  that  illustrates  the  natural  products  of  the  earth. 
Were  1  not  surrounded  at  this  moment,*  by  the  learning,  genius 
and  talent,  which  have  been  most  conspicuous  in  accomplishing 
these  toils,  I  would  with  pride  repeat  the  names  of  many,  and 
add  to  them,  with  pleasure,  their  appropriate  epithets. 

And  learning,  genius  and  talent  are  emulated  by  indefati- 
gable industry  and  practised  skill.  The  gardens  that  surround 
our  city  are  abundant  evidences  of  this  truth.t 

Throughout  the  Union,  enterprise  is  now  directed  to  the  cul- 
ture of  the  most  valuable  plants.} 

Besides  sectional  objects,  confined  to  particular  regions  of 
our  country,  there  are  others  also  claiming  universal  notice, 
which  may  be  denominated  national. 

Of  these,  the  fast,  by  its  importance,  is  the  cultivation  of  the 
vine.  The  interesting  facts  and  valuable  suggestions  on  the 
subject,  which  you  received  from  our  President  in  his  Inaugural 
Discourse,§  deserve  particular  regard.  Four  years  have  inter- 
vened, since  the  Anniversary  when  he  pronounced  it,  and  his 
sentiments  have  been  corroborated  by  indisputable  proofs.  Ex- 


*  A  Catalogue  of  Books  and  Treatises  by  Members  of  the  New- York  Horti- 
cultural Society  may  be  seen  in  the  Appendix,  A. 

t  The  Publick  Gardens  in  and  near  the  city  of  .New-York  are  mentioned  in 
the  Appendix,  B. 

t  On  this  subject  see  the  Appendix,  C. 

$  An  Inaugural  Discourse,  delivered  before  the  New- York  Horticultural 
Society,  Aug.  31,  1824. 


15 

periments  have  been  successful,  and  the  voices  of  our  intelligent 
and  enterprising  Farmers  and  Horticulturists  proclaim :  '  The 
vine  will  flourish  in  our  country,  in  various  latitudes ;  and  it 
yields  to  us  an  agreeable  and  valuable  product.'*  Yes !  and 
native  wines  derived  from  it,  and  from  the  fruits  of  our  orchards! 
and  our  gardens,  may  be  hailed  by  the  philanthropist  as  the  har- 
bingers of  a  new  era.  The  epocha  may  not  be  distant,  when 
the  draughts  that  are  inebriating  and  destroying  thousands  of  our 
population,  shall  be  superseded  by  the  use  of  milder  and  of  sal- 
utary beverages. 

A  second  object,  that  may  be  called  national,  is  the  cultivation 
of  the  mulberry.  Distinguished  among  trees,  as  that  from  which 
the  serick  insect  draws  its  nourishment,  the  mulberry  deserves  in- 
deed particular  attention.  The  American  Institute  of  the  City  of 
New- York,  anticipating  the  results  to  be  derived  from  this  in- 
valuable plant,  have  received  the  aid  and  counsel  of  the  learned 
President  of  the  Linnean  Society,  and  have  entered  upon  a 
large  and  liberal  plan  of  operation.  We  congratulate  them,  and 
sincerely  trust,  their  labours  may  be  remunerated  by  a  rich  abun- 
dance of  the  golden  fleece.J  As  an  article  of  manufacture, 
silk  has  claimed  the  notice  of  our  general  government.  Its ' 
House  of  Representatives  have  ordered,  that  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  "  cause  to  be  prepared"  a  Manual  on  the  subject, 


*  See  the  Appendix,  C. 

t  In  the  Appendix  to  Dr.  Hosack's  Inaugural  Discourse,  is  an  interesting 
letter  on  this  subject,  by  Dr.  S.  L-  Mitchill. 

\  A  Volume  on  the  culture  of  silk,  by  Dr.  Pascalis,  is  now  ready  for  the 
press.  It  is  accompanied  with  a  Preliminary  Dissertation  by  Professor  An- 
ihon  of  Columbia  College,  who  argues  that  the  product  of  the  silk  worm  is  to 
TJC  understood  by  the  golden  fleece  of  antiquity.  See  Appendix,  D. 


16 

and  a  well-digested  Treatise*  was  accordingly  transmitted  to 
them  by  the  Secretary,  during  the  period  of  their  last  session. 
It  is  before  the  publick ;  and  its  very  favourable  views  of  the 
growth  and  manufacture  of  silk  in  the  United  States,  present  a 
field  of  speculation,  that  is  peculiarly  attractive.  The  same 
policy,  which  has  enlightened,  and  will  no  doubt  stimulate  by 
due  rewards,  the  enterprising  and  industrious  in  this  particular 
department,  may  soon  become  extended,  (veni  dies  !)  to  the 
whole  range  of  Horticulture  ! 

Had  I  not  already  dwelt  so  long  upon  the  first  of  the  par- 
ticulars, that  were  proposed  for  your  attention,  I  might  here  en- 
large upon  the  future  prospects  of  our  favoured  land.  I  might 
collect  before  you  the  anticipations,  which  are  sufforested,  by  its 
unparalleled  advancement  in  the  facilities  of  transportation  and 
the  extent  of  commerce  : — its  canals  and  rail-roads  ;  the  staple 
products  of  its  soil ;  and  its  natural  adaptation  for  the  residence 
of  the  most  enlightened  of  all  people  on  our  globe.  Exhibiting, 
in  their  true  colours,  the  glories  that  may  one  day  reach,  like 
the  celestial  bow,  from  our  Atlantick  to  our  Pacifick  confines,  1 
might  direct  your  contemplation  to  this  graphick  symbol  of  our 
great  national  destinies.  And  when  all  sounds  of  a  disunion 
shall  have  passed  away ;  when  the  rude  storm  of  political  ani- 
mosity shall  have  been  stilled ;  and  when  the  last  echo  of  the 
thunderings  that  arrest  us  in  the  South  shall  cease  to  roll ; — as 
the  prismatick  arch,  the  token  of  an  everlasting  covenant  of 


*  It  is  entitled  "Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  transmitting 
the  information  required  by  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  of 
May  11,  1826,  in  relation  to  the  Growth  and  Manufacture  of  silk,  adapted  to 
the  different  parts  of  the  Union".  Octavo,  Wash.  Gales  &,  Seaton,  1828.  pp.  220. 
Another  Congressional  Document  on  the  subject  is  the  "  Letter  from  James 
Mease,  transmitting  a  Treatise  on  ithe  rearing  of  silk  worms,  by  Mr.  DC 
Haz/.i  of  Munich,  for."  Wash.  Gales  &.  Seaton,  1828.  pp.  108. 


17 

peace  and  union,  shall  shed  its  smiles  upon  our  soil,  I  might 
depict  the  happiest  of  lands,  that,  like  an  aromatick  "  field 
which  the  Lord  hath  blessed,"  shall  send  up  to  heaven,  from 
the  wide  extent  of  its  vast  territories,  the  mingled  purfunies  of 
its  cornu  copise,  sweet-scented  fruits  and  fragrant  flowers. 

As  we  mingle  our  sympathies  at  this  anniversary  commem- 
oration, we  may  with  joy  reflect  upon  the  numerous,  the  varied, 
and  the  enlivening  themes,  by  which  Horticulture,  with  its 
stores  of  learning,  and  with  its  stimulus  to  industry,  is  calcula- 
ted to  engage  the  intellect. 

II.  And  there  is  a  moral  halo  that  invests  our  subject.  It 
can  improve  the  heart. 

As  we  behold  the  wonders  that  abound  throughout  the  vege- 
table kingdom,  we  are  lost  in  the  interminable  manifestations  of 
the  Supreme. 

The  organization  that  pervades  it  lifts  up  our  hearts  unto  an 
Omniscient  Creator.  We  cannot  view  the  mechanism  of  a 
single  plant  without  this  sentiment.  We  see  the  several  parts 
of  which  it  is  composed,  arranged  with  a  regard  to  its  nutrition 
and  its  perpetuity,  demonstrating  a  contrivance*  the  result  of  the 
profoundest  wisdom. 

The  succession  that  is  discoverable  in  the  annual  circuit  of 
our  globe,  directs  our  thoughts  to  Him,  who  is 

" the  life  and  light 

"  Of  all  this  wond'rous  world  we  see." 

Flowers,  fruits,  and  culinary  plants  attain  perfection,  in  a  series 
that  must  command  our  gratitude.  Not  lavished  with  an  indis- 


*  Very  beautiful  illustrations  of  this  truth  are  collected  by  Dr.  Paley,  in 
iiis  Natural  Theology,  Chap.  XX.  Of  Plants. 
C 


18 

criminate  profusion,  at  some  one  favoured  crisis  of  the  year,  they 
are  dispensed  with  an  all-wise  frugality,  and  "  yield  their  fruits 
every  month." 

Their  nature  also  is  adapted  to  the  condition  of  mankind. 
Where  sultry  beams  are  shed  upon  the  torrid  zone,  umbrageous 
groves  extend  their  branches.  Where  the  Polar  skies  are  cheered 
by  a  short  summer's  reign,  its  vegetation  is  distinguished  by  a 
rapid*  progress  to  maturity.  Where  manual  labour  is  discoura- 
ged by  oppressive  heat,  and  where  the  mind  is  destitute  of  moral 
enterprise,  abundant  aliment  is  yielded  to  the  lowliest  cultivator 
of  the  soil.  But  in  the  temperate  regions  of  the  earth,  where,  un- 
exposed  to  the  depressing  influence  of  an  ungenial  atmosphere, 
man  walks  abroad,  delighting  to  exert  his  energies,  here  Nature 
calls  forth  talent,  and  awakens  industry,  by  obstacles,  which  she 
allures  them  to  surmount.  As  if  anticipating  the  caprice  of  man, 
in  countries,  where  the  valley  and  the  mountain  each  invite  his 
residence,  the  products  of  the  torrid  zone  are  found  within  this 
vale;  and  on  that  towering  summit  is  displayed  to  view  a 
Northern}  vegetation. 


*  In  Lapland  and  at  Olekminsk  in  Siberia,  barley  ripens  in  seven  or  eight 
weeks.  See  Georgi  as  quoted  by  Malte-Brun,  Syst.  Geog.  B.  XX.  Grain. 

t  Les  valle'es  des  Andes  sont  ornees  de  bananiers  et  de  palmiers  ;  plus 
haut  se  trouve  1'arbre  bienfaisam  dontl'ecorce  est  de  febrifuge  le  plus  prompt 
et  le  plus  salutaire.  Dans  cette  region  temperee  des  quinquinas,  etplus  haut 
vers  celle  des  escallonia,  s'elevent  des  chenes,  des  sapins,  des  berberis,  des 
nlnus,  des  rubus,  et  une  foule  de  genres  que  nons  ne  croyons  appartenir 
qu'auxpaysdu  Nord  Aussi  1'habitant  des  regions  equinoxialesconnoit  toutes 
les  formes  vegetables  que  la  nature  a  disposees  autour  de  lui:  la  terre  de>el- 
oppe  a  ses  yeux  un  spectacle  aussi  varie  que  la  voute  azuree  du  ciel,  qui  ne 
lui  cache  aucune  de  ses  constellations.  See  Humboldt's  "  Essai  sur  la 
Ge"og."  near  the  close. 


19 

In  the  distribution  of  the  odours  that  are  breathed  around 
us,  Nature  seems  to  have  been  regulated  by  the  same  economy. 
Where  happiness  is  found  only  in  the  refinement  of  the  senses ; 
where  in  luxurious  repose,  the  Hindoo,  with  no  zest  for  intel- 
lectual delights,  seeks  an  innocent  enjoyment  in  exhalations  of 
sweet  flowers ;  there  the  loveliest  of  plants,  that  are  unrivalled 
in  their  perfume,  dispense  aroma  in  rich  offerings  to  the  ambi- 
ent air. 

"  Who  has  not  heard  of  the  vale  of  CASHMERE, 
"  With  its  roses  the  sweetest  that  earth  ever  gave  f " 

Where  man,  upon  another  continent,  is  seen  degraded  by  the 
indulgence  of  the  most  loathsome  appetites,  and  we  are  told 
that,  by  a. remarkable  peculiarity,*  which  he  possesses  in  com- 
mon only  with  the  inferior  animals,  the  Hottentot  experiences  an 
emotion  of  delight,  at  the  carrion-smell  of  what  regales  the 
hyaena  and  the  vulture;  in  that  region  of  the  earth,  (as  if  the 
poor  savage  were  to  be  indulged  in  his  caprice,)  while  Oriental 
perfumes  are  withheld,!  plants  distinguished  among  us  by  their 
offensiveness,  the  Stapelias,  in  their  variety,  abound  upon  the 
soil,  and  fill  the  atmosphere  with  their  putridity  of  savour. 

Wherever  man  resides  are  found  nutritious  berries,  which 
are  agreeable  to  all.  The  barberry,  the  cranberry,  and  the 
dwarf  mulberry,  regale  the  distant  Laplander  ;  and  beside  these, 
the  currant  forms  a  wholesome  food  for  the  inhabitants  of 
Greenland.  Does  the  exhausted  native  of  warm  climates, 
parched  with  thirst,  ask  such  plants  as  may  be  most  refreshing 
to  his  enfeebled  energies  ?  Lo,  Nature's  bounty  has  supplied 
him  with  the  melon,  and  the  pine-apple,  and  all  cooling  fruits. 


*  See  Malte-Brun,  where  hp  treats  of  the  Boschmen,  B.  LXX. 
t  See  Appendix  E. 


And  does  the  mariner,  from  the  long  use  of  salt  provision,  need 
some  prompt  remedy  for  its  scorbutick  influence"?  He  may 
coast  along  the  shores  of  the  most  distant  regions  in  the  North 
or  South,  and  be  furnished  with  the  succory,  the  cresses,  and  the 
wild-sorrel,  from  Siberia  to  the  remotest  of  the  Pacifick  isles. 
The  Botanical  Materia  Medica  is  but  an  enlargement  of  this 
interesting  thought. 

But  on  a  theme  so  vast  I  dare  not  venture  further.  It  is  re- 
plete with  interest  and  instruction,  wheresoever  we  direct  our 
eyes,  from  the  most  attenuated  lichen,  that  is  scarce  discoverable 
on  the  rock,  to  the  huge  baobab,  developing  its  mammoth  trunk 
of  eighty  feet ;  and  from  the  lowliest  moss  that  peeps  above  the 
surface  of  the  soil,  to  the  towering  palm-tree  of  the  tropicks, 
almost  two  hundred  feet  in  elevation.*  As  the  march  of  know- 
ledge shall  advance,  and  man  be  more  mizmtely  taught  the 
mysteries  of  Nature,  this  wide  field  of  Science,  with  an  increased 
earnestness,  shall  be  explored.  What  has  been  accomplished 
in  the  heavens  by  the  rare  genius  of  Laplace,  bold,  brilliant,  and 
aspiring, — by  some  future  Linne  may  be  accomplished  in  re- 
gard to  earth;  and  while  the  blue  vault,  and  while  the  verdant 
landscape,  are  more  and  more  distinctly  uttering : 

"  The  hand  that  made  us  is  divine," 

the  philosopher  and  Christian  will  continually  be  attracted  by 
new  themes  of  "  wonder,  love  and  praise." 

It  has  been  my  object,  not  to  venture  far  within  this  vast 
domain,  but  merely  to  suggest  what  may  awaken  the  resources 
of  a  learned  and  intelligent  assembly.  A  single  pearl  proclaims 
the  boundless  treasure  of  the  deep ;  one  gem  is  witness  of  ex- 

*  Malte-Brun,  Syst.  Geog.  B.  XX.   Vegetation  of  the  torrid  sone. 


21 

haustless  mines  within  the  earth ;  and  a  few  fitful  rays  from  the 
bright  canopy  above  may  reveal  to  the  imagination  innumera- 
ble worlds  of  glory. 

Under  the  influence  of  these  thoughts,  I  would  now  say  to 
the  Members  of  the  Society  which  I  have  the  honour  to  address: 
While  you  participate  the  intellectual  and  moral  stores  of  Hor- 
ticulture, you  have  a  two-fold  object,  worthy  of  your  tenderest 
solicitude. 

1.  It  is  for  you  to  collect  the  vegetable  treasures  of  the  Old 
Continents,  and  enrich  with  them  the  glories  of  our  favoured 
land. 

The  correspondence  between  Mr.  Rush  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  and  our  President,  now  stands  upon  our  records.  It 
invites  us,  literally,  to  regale  upon  the  bounties  of  the  wide 
world ;  to  look  abroad,  wherever  the  banner  of  the  country  has 
been  planted,  by  a  Foreign  Minister,  a  Consul,  or  a  Diploma- 
tick  or  Commercial  Agent;  and  to  ask  what  we  will  of  the  pro- 
ductions of  this  ample  realm.  "  Forest  trees,"  I  adopt  the  very 
words  of  Mr.  Rush,  "  forest  trees,  useful  for  timber;  grain; 
"  fruit  trees ;  vegetables  for  the  table ;  esculent  roots ;  in  short, 
"  plants  of  every  description,  whether  used  as  food  or  for  pur-- 
"  poses  connected  with  any  of  the  useful  arts — all  will  fall 
"  within  the  scope  of  the  plan  proposed."* 

Such  cheering  smiles  the  General  Government  bestows  upon 
that  field  which  it  is  our  privilege  to  occupy.  They  thus  emu- 
late the  policy  of  other  nations ;  and  in  accordance  with  this 
policy,  were  proper  publick  grounds  provided,  either  in  each 


*  The  correspondence  between  Mr.  Rush  and  Dr.  Hosack  has  been  pub- 
lished in  the  New-York  Farmer  and  Horticultural  depository.  Vol.  I.  Art.  34. 
The  quoted  passage  is  in  Mr.  Rush's  Letter,  dated  May  15,  1827. 


State,  or  in  the  four  great  sections  of  the  Union,  we  doubt  not, 
that  our  nation  would  rejoice  at  the  benign  results.  We  have  a 
soil,  which,  like  the  heritage  of  ancient  Israel,  is  "  the  glory  of 
all  lands."  Within  the  limits  of  our  four  and  twenty  States 
may  be  discovered  an  appropriate  residence,  for  almost  every 
plant  in  all  the  four  and  twenty  Classes  of  the  Botanist. 

And  to  the  Members  of  the  New- York  Horticultural  Society 
are  offered  powerful  inducements,  to  be  the  channel  of  our  na- 
tion's intercourse  with  other  countries,  in  regard  to  plants.  In 
the  Mythology  of  Ancient  Rome  it  was  ingeniously  fabled,*  that 
Pomona  could  not  be  induced  to  shed  a  smile  on  any  of  her 
suitors,  until  her  heart  was  touched  by  the  devout  breathings  of 
Vertumnus ;  and  in  the  tendercst  of  bonds  were  joined  the  god 
of  merchandise  and  the  divinity  of  gardens.  The  ingenious 
fable  is  instructive;  for  our  Art 


thrives  most 


"  Where  Commerce  lias  enriched  the  busy  coast : 

"  He  catches  all  improvements  in  his  flight, 

"  Spreads  foreign  wonders  in  his  country's  sight.'; 

2.  Another  object,  far  more  interesting,  invites  your  care.  It. 
.is  the  preservation  and  the  culture  of  plants  indigenous  to  our  soil. 

They  are  confided  to  your  guardianship.  But  look  around 
you ;  see  them  perishing  in  multitudes  beneath  the  ploughs-hare 
and  the  axe.  Certain  species  and  varieties,  which  in  old  time 
adorned  the  verdant  mantle  of  the  earth,  are  to  be  found  no 
longer;!  but  their  memorial,  transmitted  to  us  in  floetz  rocks, 
is  a  demonstration  of  their  original  existence.  And  shall  it  ever 
be  recorded  of  any  valuable  varieties  of  our  native  plants,  their 
sweetness  has  expired  on  "  the  desert  air?"  Your  active  mea- 

*  Ovid  has  given  the  story  with  all  its  embellishment*. 
t  See  Decandolle  and  Spreng-el,  P.  II.  Sect.  143. 


23 

sures,  I  doubt  not,  will  soon  eloquently  teach,  that  in  the  garden 
which  you  are  preparing  to  establish,  .will  be  collected  from  our 
woodlands  and  our  fields,  a  beauteous  and  bright  floral  galaxy. 

And  here  again  I  would  refer  to  our  President's  Discourse, 
in  which  is  cjearly  and  minutely  stated  a  well-ordered  plan, 
both  practical  and  scientifick,  discovering  to  us  large  views, 
which  it  is  noble  to  possess  ;  and  could  we  but  effect  their  con- 
summation, the  reality  would  be  magnificent. 

We  might  then  call  together,  (and  exult  as  we  contemplated,) 
the  lovely  families  of  our  rural  offspring.  We  might  find  within 
this  native  circle,  when  possessed  of  suitable  advantages  for 
their  improvement,  the  rarest  and  most  estimable  qualities,  to 
please  and  benefit  mankind.  Among  the  changes  that  are  exhi- 
bited upon  the  surface  of  the  globe,  none  are  more  worthy  of 
remark,  than  the  transmutations  which  are  effected  in  the  vege- 
table tribes.  Our  Celery  is  but  the  parsley,  or  smallage,  in  an 
advanced  state  of  cultivation.  The  Cauliflower  and  the  Broc- 
coli have  issued  from  the  humblest  plants.  When  hi  its'  natu- 
ral condition,  the  Asparagus  can  scarce  be  recognised  as  that, 
which  when  domesticated  is  a  table  luxury.  And  the  potatoe, 
which  is  the  sustenance  of  millions  of  our  race,  has  been  gene- 
rally cultivated  but  a  hundred^  years, — and  the  most  useful  of 
all  esculents,  it  is  insignificant  and  uninviting  in  its  natural 
state.  And  can  we  for  a  moment  think,  the  progress  of  disco- 
very has  been  arrested  ?  Are  there  no  other  contributions  which 
the  earth  may  yield,  to  the  existence  and  enjoyments  of  our 
race  ?  At  this  moment,  the  botanick  missionaries  of  the  Old 
Continent  are  engaged*  in  traversing  our  fruitful  territories,  that 

*  M.  Leroy  writes  to  me  iu  these  words  :  Le  gouvernement  Fran^ais 
entretient  habituellement  ici  de  jetines  Botanistes,  qui  parcourent  les  forets 
des  Etas-Unis  dans  toutes  les  .directions,  pour  enrichir  leur  pays  de  tout  ce 
qu'ils  pouvent  decouvrir  de  nouveau  et  interessant. 


'24, 

they  may  answer  the  inquiry.  Let  us  emulate  their  zeal ;  and 
let  us  not  value  at  a  lower  estimate  than  others,  those  rare  gifts 
which  the  great  God  of  nature  hath  put  into  our  hands.  Let 
us  co-operate  in  the  attainment  of  our  interesting  purpose ;  let 
us  tie  together  our  rods  in  the  manner  of  the  Roman/asces,  and 
this  union  cannot  fail  to  give  us  permanence  and  power. 

Replenished  with  indigenous  attractions,  our  proposed  gar- 
den will  be  esteemed  abroad  "  a  garden  of  delights."  The  hand 
of  many  a  distinguished  foreigner  will  soon  beckon  for  an  inter- 
change of  precious  plants  ;  and  by  the  winds,  that  swell  the  sails 
of  our  commerce,  will  be  wafted  to  us  the  best  offerings  of  the 
remotest  realms.  We  may  even  rival  in  celebrity  the  paradises 
at  Copenhagen,  Kew  and  Malmaison  ;  at  Schonbrun  and  Ber- 
lin. Let  us  then  appreciate  our  natural  inheritance.  It  is  our 
bald-eagle,  that  in  full  view  of  Niagara's  sublimity,  soars  beyond 
the  flight  of  his  companions, 

• 

"  sailing  with  supreme  dominion, 

"  Through  the  azure  deep  of  air." 

i  :vi 
The  forest  hears  the  minstrelsey  of  the  whole  feathered  throng, 

in  the  delightful  musick  of  a  bird,*  that  in  its  native  beauty  and 
perfection  is  our  own.  And,  as  the  youthful  Otaheitan,  who 
"  sprang  forward  at  the  unexpected  sight  of  a  banana  tree,  in 
the  Jardin  des  Plantes,  and  embraced  it,  while  his  eyes  were 
bathed  in  tears  ;"t  could  we,  within  the  confines  of  some  distant 
land,  but  scent  the  gale  that  bore  upon  its  wings  the  perfume  of 
our  Magnolias,  as  we  imbibed  the  fragrant  offering,  with  the 


*  See  Wilson's  glowing  description  of  the  Mocking-bird,  in  his  Ameri- 
can Ornithology. 

t  Phillips'  Syl.  Flor.  Vol.  I.  Introd. 


25 

name  generous  enthusiasm  we  also  might  exclaim :  "  Ah !  tree 
of  my  country  /" 

Let  us  appreciate  all  our  natural  inheritance !  Let  us  perse- 
vere to  the  full  attainment  of  the  objects  which  we  contemplate. 
We  know  that  we  are  able,  and  we  will  succeed  ; 


possunt  quia  posse  videntur. 


Then  by  science  and  by  industry  we  will  contribute  to  the  stores 
of  human  happiness  ;  and  we  will  take  the  lead,  where  to  follow 
in  our  footsteps  will  be  honourable. 

Our  ardent,  able  and  efficient  President,  our  learned  and 
indefatigable  Lecturer  and  Counsellor,  and  our  classical  and 
accomplished  Corresponding  Secretary*  have,  in  turn,  been  cho- 
sen to  animate  you,  when  convened  at  the  former  celebrations  of 
this  festival.  I  was  unmindful  of  myself,  in  my  devotion  to  my 
subject,  or  I  should  not  have  consented  to  follow  in  their  path. 
But,  though  I  "  attain  not  unto  the  first  three,"  I  account  it  a 
distinction  for  which  I  tender  you  acknowledgments,  that  I  have 
been  deemed  worthy  to  be  named  and  numbered  with  them  in 
our  cherished  cause. 

It  is  a  benevolent,  it  is  a  noble  cause.  It  exerts  a  salutary, 
intellectual  and  moral  influence.  It  has  rich  resources  for  the 
head ;  and  it  has  rich  resources  for  the  heart.  While  it  instructs 
and  edifies  ;  ennobles  and  exalts  ;  it  awakens  feelings  of  philan- 
thropy. Its  motto  is :  "  GOOD  WILL  TO  MAN."  It  inscribes 
above  its  portal,  what  was  written  at  the  entrance  of  that  me- 
morable garden,  into  which  the  very  Patriarch  of  Botany,  Linne 
himself  allured  his  followers :  "  ENTER  ;  FOR  A  GOD  is  HERE." 


*  The  Society  have  listened,  successively,  to  Dr.  Hosack,  Dr.  MUchill. 
and  Mr.  Carter. 

1) 


26 

Like  that  holy  faith  which  we  profess,  it  calls  up  sympathies, 
that  would  excite  every  one  within  the  extensive  sphere  of  its 
operation,  to  partake  of  its  innumerable  enjoyments  and  its 
manifold  rewards. 

In  my  enthusiasm  for  my  subject,  I  now  experience  this  sen- 
timent which  I  describe. 

Could  I  address  myself  to  all  the  ingenuous,  and  liberal, 
and  enlightened  among  my  friends,  adopting  the  eulogium  pro- 
nounced on  the  study  of  Polite  Literature  by  the  great  orator  of 
Rome,  I  would  thus  paraphrase  it  with  a  particular  reference  to 
our  subject.  "  Were  it  not  as  abundant  in  resources  as  I  have 
"  alleged,  and  were  it  to  be  pursued  merely  for  the  pleasure 
"  which  flows  from  it,  you  will  acknowledge,  I  doubt  not,  that 
"  it  is  a  mental  recreation,  the  most  liberal  and  polite.  For 
"  other  studies  are  not  appropriate  at  all  times,  to  all  ages,  and 
"  in  eveiy  place ;  but  this  has  nourishment  for  us  while  we  are 
"  young,  and  pleasing  joys  when  we  are  old.  In  prosperity,  it 
"  is  an  ornament ;  and  in  adversity,  a  refuge  and  a  solace.  It 
"  delights  us  when  at  home,  and  it  is  no  impediment  abroad. 
"  Whether  we  go  forth  to  meditate  at  eventide,  or  are  occupied 
"  in  journeying  from  place  to  place,  or  are  wandering  through 
"  the  country  in  our  rural  recreations,  it  is  an  agreeable  com- 
"  panion  and  a  constant  friend.  If  any  are  themselves  unable 
"  to  pursue  the  subject,  or  want  a  relish  for  its  charms,  yet  when 
"  they  see  it  blooming  about  others,  they  should  not  withhold 
"  the  tribute  of  their  commendation."* 

Could  I  appeal  to  such  as  are  entrusted  with  our  Literary 
Institutions,  I  would  say :  Instil  into  the  minds  of  all  your  youth- 
ful charge  a  love  of  nature.  Teach  them 

*  Cicero,  Oral-  pro  Archia  Poela,  Sect.  IV. 


27 

"  To  mark,  in  every  magick  change  of  scene. 
The  grand  diversities  of  nature's  laws, 
Yet  find  in  all  the  ever  present  God  !" 

You  will  thus  give  them  an  instructive  friend,  where  they  might 
otherwise  be  solitary.  You  will  supply  them  with  a  volume,  in 
which  with  rapture 

"  they  may  read,  and  read, 

And  read  again,  and  still  find  something  new, 

Something  to  please,  and  something  to  instruct." 
Could  I  accost  the  amiable  portion  of  our  race,  whose  attri- 
butes are  symbolized  by  the  delights  of  Flora,  I  might  maintain 
the  justice  and  propriety,  with  which  a  certain  Oriental  lan- 
guage* uses  the  same  word  to  designate  both  flowers  and  the 
fair.  Every  estimable  virtue  that  adorns  the  sex  has  its  type  in 
these  exquisite  manifestations  of  the  Benignant.  And  they  are 
adapted,  not  only  for  the  personal  embellishment,  but  for  the 
intellectual  and  moral  discipline  of  those,  to  whom  I  would  com- 
mend the  contemplation  of  their  loveliness.  Their  province  is 
not  only  to  afford  the  senses  a  rich  feast,  to  fill  with  their  sweet 
perfumes  the  air  we  breathe,  and  to  allure  the  eye  by  their  con- 
formations, and  by  their  tints  of  colour ;  but  by  sympathies,  the 
mast  refined,  and  pure,  and  amiable,  to  exalt  the  soul. 

"  The  spleen  is  seldom  found  where  Flora  reigns. 

The  low'ring  eye,  the  petulance,  the  frown, 

And  sullen  sadness,  that  o'ershade,  distort, 

And  mar  the  face  of  beauty,  when  no  cause 

For  such  immeasurable  woe  appears : 

These  Flora  banishes,  and  gives  the  fair 

Sweet  smiles,  and  bloom  less  transient  than  her  own.'M" 
_ 

*  The  Malay,  the  most  agreeable  throughout  the  East.  Like  French  in 
Europe,  it  is  a  very  general  medium  of  thought;  and  its  characteristicks. 
entitle  it  to  be  distinguished,  as  the  Italian  of  the  Orientals* 

t  I  would  here  name  particularly  the  Siflra  Florifera  by  Henry  PhiUip?r 
ajs  deserving  a  place-  in  every  Lady's  Library.  .No  one  can  rise  from  the 
perusal  of  it  without  amiable  feelings. 


28 

Could  I  move  the  authorities  of  our  city  in  the  cause  which 
1  espouse,  our  publick  squares  and  parks  should  become  plea- 
sure-grounds, disposed  and  decorated,  to  regale  our  citizens. 
Within  their  walks  should  be  no  fumes  of  the  intoxicating  deity, 
but  the  pervading  pure,  and  salutary  influence  of  Nature's  God. 

And  in  the  suburbs  of  our  Metropolis  should  be  a  Cemetery ; 
it  should  be  "  a  garden  and  in"  the  midst  of  "  it  a  sepulchre," 
where  the  ashes  of  the  departed  might  repose  in  peace ;  where 
children  might  be  literally  gathered  to  their  fathers ;  and  where 
the  vernal  buds,  the  summer  flowers,  and  the  sere  leaves  of 
autumn  might  teach  lessons  of  morality,  and  speak  of  the  resur- 
rection and  the  life  to  come. 

Could  my  voice  reach  the  Legislative  Councils  of  the  land, 
I  would  say :  Appropriate  to  those  who  have  fulfilled  their  trusts, 
and  arc  withdrawing  from  the  paths  of  publick  life — in  the  in- 
teresting manner  of  the  heroickf  age,  appropriate  a  te.me.nos 
(rsfisvot) ;  a  portion  of  that  soil,  which  in  their  hearts  is  conse- 
crated as  their  country  and  their  "  sweet  home."  It  will  refresh 
their  spirits,  when  they  look  around  them,  and  reflect :  this  is 
the  nation's  gift.  There  is  a  peacefulness  and  a  serenity  in  rural 
scenes,  that  have  at  all  times  had  a  charm  for  the  philosopher 
and  patriot.  That  hand,  which  held  the  destinies  of  ancient 
Rome,  when  it  had  guided  and  had  saved  the  nation,  held  the 
plough  upon  the  farm  of  Cindnnatus.  In  the  hearts  of  all  his 
countrymen  is  the  memorial  of  him,  who  loved  mount  Yemen's 
calm  retreat.  The,  shades  of  Monticello  have  been  forever  con- 
secrated. And  at  this  moment,  the  beloved  Lafayette  is  seen 


t  See  Homer,  Iliad.  M.  310—314.  Z.  194.  et  al.  and  the  notes  of  HEYNE. 
STEPHENS,  Thes.  Grsec.  Art.  -4fjnw<,  quotes  the  appropriate  passages  to 
show:  heroibus  et  principibus  peculiariter  haec  Ttusw  tribuere  videtur,  aple- 
beiorum  agris  sejuncta  et  separata  quibusdam  tv 


29 

cultivating  his  La  Grange;  and  our  own  Jay,  retired  to  the  sanc- 
tuary of  his  villa,  now  calmly  meditates  upon  his  rest  above.' 

Were  it  given  to  me,  on  this  festival,  to  distribute  garlands, 
I  would  thus  place  them  upon  the  brows  of  our  youth  ;  I  would 
supply  them  also  as  a  decoration  for  the  fair;  I  would  fill  our 
country  and  our  city  with  their  fragrance  and  their  verdure ; 
and  I  would  present  them  as  a  reward  of  publick  services. 

Were  there  some  happy  realm,  where  might  be  realized 
the  joys,  which,  inspiration  teaches,  were  the  first  blessed- 
ness of  man,  I  would  delight  to  resort  thither  with  the  beloved 
circle  of  my  friends,  that  in  the  tranquillity  of  the  terrestrial 
Eden,  we  might  live  in  rural  happiness  and  die  in  peace.  But, 
with  the  learned,  we  shall  in  vain  seek  the  enviable  spot.  One 
tells  us,  it  was  in  the  confines  of  the  ancient  Armenia ;  another 
points  us  for  its  bliss  to  the  lovely  valley  of  Cashmere  ;  and  ano- 
ther teaches,  that  in  Persia  were  its  gladdening  groves.  But  it 
is  no  longer  upon  earth.  Like  good  men  of  old,  it  has  been 
translated.  Yet,  I  would  indulge,  in  reference  to  it,  the  kindest 
sympathies  toward  my  associates ;  I  would  embody  my  best 
feelings  in  a  devout  ejaculation  :  that,  when  our  studies  and  our 
cares  and  toils  shall  have  ceased  here  below ;  when,  like  the 
grass  that  withereth,  we  shall  have  mingled  with  the  dust; 
we  may  hereafter  meet  within  the  bowers,  and  be  regaled  with 
the  enrapturing  transports  of  that  Eden  in  the  skies. 


APPENDIX. 


A. 
BOOKS  AND  TREATISES, 

ON   BOTANY,    AGRICULTURE    AND    HORTICULTURE,    BV   RESIDENT 
MEMBERS    OF    THE    N.    Y.    HORT.  SOC. 


DAVID  HOSACK,  M.  ».,  P.  R.  s.  L.  &.  E.  President  of  the  Society. 

Syllabus  of  a  Course  of  Lectures,  on  Botany  and  Vegetable  Physiology, 
delivered  in  Columbia  College,  in  the  year  1795.  The  2d.  edit,  is  en- 
larged, in  the  Author's  MKDICAL  ESSAYS,  2  vols.  1824. 

Hortus  Elginensii,  New- York,  8vo. 

Statement  of  Facts,  relative  to  the  Elgin  Bot.  Card.  New-York. 

American  Medical  and  Philosophical  Register;  or  Annals  of  Medicine, 
Nat.  Hist.,  Agricult.,  and  the  Arts: — conducted  by  David  Hosack, 
M.  D.,  r.  L.  s.,  and  John  W.  Francis,  M.  D.  Prof,  of  Mat.  Med.  in  the 
Univ.  of  New-York.  4  Yols.  8vo. 

Inaugural  Discourse,  delivered  before  the  New-York  Horticultural  Socie- 
ty, &,c.  Aug.  31,  1824.  New- York,  1824. 

To  these  may  be  added  numerous  contributions  to  Scientific!:  Periodicals. 

SAMUEL  L.  MITCHILL,  M.  D.,  F.  R.  s.  Ed.  &c.  fee. 

Discourse,  pronounced  at  New-York,  before  the  Society  for  promoting 
Agriculture,  Arts  and  Manufactures,  1792;  printed  in  the  Society's 
Transactions. 

Correspondence  with  Robert  R.  Livingston,  on  Light  as  a  menstruum  dis- 
solving vegetable  matter,  fcc.  Ibid.  1793. 

Remarks  on  Mnnures;  intendi  d  an  a  sequel  to  Judge  Peters'  inquiries  con- 
cerning Piaster  of  Pans.  Med  Fepos.  vol.  11.  p.  30 — 50,  1798. 

Discourse  before  the  Society  for  the  promotion  of  Arts,  &,c.  in  Albany .- 
1799;  printed  in  a  subsequent  volume. 


SAMUEL  L.  MITCHILL,  M.  D.,  F.  R.  s.  Ed. 

Further  Observations  on  Manures;  intended  as  a  supplement  to  Kirwan's 
publication  on  those  matters.  Med.  Repos.  vol.  n.  p.  240 — 9,  1799. 

Additional  Notices  on  Manures;  intended  to  follow  the  meditated  Report 
of  the  British  board  of  Agriculture  on  Manures.  Ibid.  p.  345 — 354, 
1799. 

Observations  on  the  Can'ker-worm,  which  devours  the  leaves  of  Apple- 
trees.  Agric.  Transactions,  1801.  Med.  Repos.  vol.  iv.  p.  69. 

Facts  in  relation  to  Vegetation.     Med.  Repos.  vol.  HI.  p.  420,  1801. 

Description  of  various  vegetable  phenomena.     Ibid.  vol.  iv.  p.  196,  1801. 

Essay  on  Salt  (muriate  of  Soda),  as  favourable  to  the  health  and  thrift 
of  domestick  animals,  when  taken  with  their  food  in  moderate  quanti- 
ties. Tilloch  Philos.  Mag.  1804. 

Letter  to  late  Gov.  Milledge  of  Georgia,  assuring  from  culture,  that  the 
seeds  of  the  Bhenne,  brought  there  by  the  negro  slaves,  produced 
plants  of  Sesamuin,  whose  grain  affords  an  oil  of  a  preferable  quality 
to  that  of  the  Olive,  for  food,  medicine,  &c.  1809.  Georgia  News- 
papers. 

Letter  to  the  late  Josicih  Meigs,  Surveyor  General  of  the  Land  Office,  on 
introducing  the  Phoenix  dactylofera,  or  Date-bearing  Palm-tree,  into 
the  Southern  section  of  the  Fredonian  States.  1810.  Nat.  Intell.  and 
Southern  Gazettes. 

Description  of  the  North  American  fungus,  called  Tuckahoe  orsclerot; 
Med.  Repos.  vol.  xv.  p.  335—7.  1812. 

Discourse  before  the  Hist.  Soc.,  on  the  Botany  of  the  two  Americas. 
1812.  Hist.  Soc.  Trans, 

Abstract  of  Don  Jose  Ignacio  Pombo's  Spanish  book,  on  the  four  Spe- 
cies of  Cinchona,  called  Peruvian  Bark  trees;  in  Southwick's  Plough- 
boy,  for  Aug.  5th,  1820. 

Correspondence  with  William  Prince,  on  a  singular  hybrid  fruit,  produced 
between  the  Spanish  chesnut,  and  the  Fredonian  chinquapin;  South- 
wick's  Ploughboy,  Nov.  1,  1820. 

Address,  pronounced  before  the  New-York  County  Agric.  Soc.,  at  their 
fair  in  Haerlem,  Oct.  1820,  in  Newspapers  of  the  time. 

Two  Speeches,  on  the  Linncan  celebration  at  Flushing,  in  May  1823  and 
1824,  in  Newspapers  of  the  time. 

Botanical  and  Horticultural  Notices,  in  Ilauston's  and  Brooks'  Minerva: 
Vol.  II.  P.  i.  pp.  185,  202,  217,  296,  313;  P.  n.  28,  72,  107,  136,  137, 
186,  344;  vol  III  90,  184  &,  281,  &c. 

Letter  to  Stephen  Van  Renssalaer,  Pres.  of  N.  Y.  Board  of  Agriculture, 
on  the  Fly-weavel,  or  Tinea  segetis,  destructive  to  wheat-grain,  in 
the  sheaf  and  stack.  Oct.  1825,  in  Newspapers  of  the  day. 

Address,  pronounced  before  the  IS".  Y.  Horf.  Soc.  at  the  Annual  Celebra- 
tion, Aug.  29,  1826. 


33 

SAMUEL  L.  MTTCHILL,  M.  D.,  F.  R.  s.  Ed. 

Correspondence,  with  Prof  Hooker  of  Glasgow  Univ.  on  the  St.  Lorenzo 

Polatoe,  or  Witheringia  montana  of  Peru;  with  a  coloured  fig.     Bot. 

Magaz.  Sept.  1827. 
An  extensive  collection  of  MSS.  prepared  with  great  care,  when  he  was 

Piof.   of  Botany  and  Mat.  Med.,  and  then  used  for  the  purpose  of 

Lectures. 
To  these  may  be  added  Occasional  Contributions  to  Woodworth  and  Dell's 

Parthenon;  to  Messrs.  Fleet  and  Halsey's  N.  Y.  Farmer;  and  to  the 

Amer.  Farmer  of  Mr.  Skinner. 

N.  H.  CARTER,  A.  M.  Author  of  "  Letters  from  Europe,"  and 

late  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Society. 
Address,  read  before  the  N.  Y.  Hort   Soc.,  at  the  Anniversary  Celebra- 
tion of  the  28th  of  August,  1827.     New-York,  1827. 

WILLIAM  WILSON,  Nurseryman. 

Economy  of  the  Kitchen- Garden,  the  Orchard,  and  the  Vinery,  with  plain, 

practical  directions  for  their  management.     New-York,  1828.   12mo. 

pp   206. 
The  Author  announces  also,  as  forthcoming,  a  new  work,  to  be  entitled 

The  New-  York  Horticulturist,  an  Extract  from  which  is  published  in 

N.  Y.  Farmer  and  Hort.  Reposit.    Art.  120.  vol.  i. 

GRANT  THORBCRN,  Seedsman  and  Florist. 

The  Gentleman  and  Gardejier's  Kalendar,  containing  ample  directions 
for  the  cultiration  of  the  Kitchen  and  Flower  Garden,  Green  House, 
Nursery,  Orchard,  &,c.  for  the  U.  S.  of  Amer.  New-York,  1821.  3d. 
edit.  12mo.  pp.  132. 

Beside  the  above  mentioned  Books  and  Treatises,  there  are  numerous  con- 
tributions to  The  New-York  Farmer  and  other  Periodicals,  by  the  Resi- 
dent Members  of  the  Society. 


B. 

LIST  OF  PUBLICK  GARDENS,  GARDENERS,  SEEDSMEN  AND  FLORISTS, 
IN  AND  NEAR  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


ARMSTRONG  ...  at  Kip's  Bay,  near  New- York,  has  a  Nursery  aad 
Green-house. 

BLOODGOOD  b  Co.  James,  Nurserymen,  206  Front  St.  New- York.  At  Flush- 
ing, L.  I.  11  miles  from  New- York,  they  have  a  Nursery,  &c.  occupying 
10  acres 


34 

Boy CE  John,  3d  Aveuue,  corner  of  llth  St.  N.  Y.  cultivates  a  Vegetable 
Garden. 

BRIDGEMAN  Thomas,  Bowery  Hill,  has  recently  established  a  Seed-Store, 
and  Garden. 

Di'CKMAS  .  .  .  ,  has  a  very  large  Market  Garden  and  Orchard,  co- 
vering 50  acres. 

FLOY  Michael,  Nurseryman,  is  the  proprietor  of  an  extensive  Green-house, 
and  a  Seed  Store,  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  12th  St.  His  Horti- 
cultural Nursery  at  Haerlem  includes  10  acres. 

HOGG  Thomas,  Nurseryman,  near  the  House  of  Refuge,  occupies  3  acres 
with  his  Green-house  and  Nursery,  and  displays  a  very  rare  collection 
of  exotick  plants.  A  notice  of  his  premises  is  contained  in  the  IV.  Y. 
Farmer,  Vol.  i.  Art.  76. 

HOLDEN  William,  at  Bloomingdale,  has  a  large  Vegetable  Garden  of  8  acres. 

HUBBABD  .  .  .  ,  3d.  near  Avenue  C.,  is  the  proprietor  of  a  Vegeta- 
ble Garden. 

KENKEY  Daniel,  Gardener  and  Florist,  corner  of  Carmine  and  Bedford  St., 
beside  a  Green-house,  has  also  a  Seed  Store. 

MILLS  &,  Co.  at  Flushing,  L.  I.,  11  miles  from  New- York,  occupy  8  acres 
with  a  valuable  nursery. 

PARMENTIER  Andrew,  at  Brooklyn,  L.  I.,  2  miles  from  N.  Y.,  has  a  Horti- 
cultural Botanick  Garden,  containing  24  acres  ;  and  his  collection  of  rare 
and  valuable  plants,  his  numerous  vines,  his  ornamental  and  fruit  trees, 
and  the  great  taste  and  neatness  with  which  all  are  disposed,  render  his 
Garden  one  of  the  most  attractive  resorts  near  our  city.  See  Amer. 
Farm.  Vol.  x.  No.  24. 

PHELAN  William,  an  extensive  cultivator  of  Green-house  plants,  resides  in 
the  2d.  Avenue  near  5th.  St. 

PRINCE  William,  is  the  proprietor  of  the  large  Linnean  Botanick  Garden  at 
Flushing,  L  I.,  11  miles  from  New-York.  His  premises  include  41 
acres ;  his  garden  is  very  rich  in  rare  and  valuable  plants ;  his  green- 
house contains  20,000  exoticks ;  and  in  his  assortment  of  vines  are  com- 
prehended more  than  400  varieties.  See  Amer.  Farm.  Vol.  x.  No.  22. 

SIMPSON  William,  cultivates  twenty  acres  as  a  Market  Garden,  and  has  a 
Greenhouse  in  the  7th.  Avenue  near  15th.  St. 

SMITH  Alexander  &.  Co.,  372  Broadway,  N.  Y.,  have  a  large  Seed  Store. 
At  Newark,  New  Jersey,  7  miles  from  New- York,  they  have  a  Garden 
and  Nursery,  occupying  10  acres. 

STILL  George,  cultivates  about  5  acres  as  a  Vegetable  Garden,  at  Bloom- 
ingdale. 

THORBCRN  &,  Son,  67  Liberty  St.  N.  Y.,  have  the  largest  Seed  Store  in 
America.  The  premises  which  they  occupy  are  84  ft.  by  100  ft. ;  their 
building  is  60  ft.  by  40  ft.,  with  an  elegant  green-house  84  ft.  by  16  ft., 
extending  the  whole  front ;  and  the  Store  is  replenished  with  bulbous 
roots,  and  the  seeds  of  iadigenous  and  exotick  plants,  with  utensils  and 


35 

implements  of  Husbandry,  with  valuable  Books  on  Agriculture  and  Hor- 
ticulture ;  and  beautiful  engravings  and  paintings  of  flowers  and  rural 
scenery  decorate  the  walls. 

WILSON  William,  Nurseryman,  beside  a  large  Green-honse,  at  the  corner  of 
4th  and  Macdougal  St.,  has  an  extensive  Nursery  at  Murray  Hill,  cover- 
ing about  10  acres. 


c. 

REMARKS 

ON   CERTAIN   EXOTrCK   AXD    INDIGENOUS    PLANTS. 


My  affectionate  preceptor,  M.  LEROY,  an  intimate  friend  of  the  celebrated 
MICHAUX,  has  communicated  in  his  letters  to  me,  the  following  facts  and  state- 
ments : 

1.   Of  EXOTICS,  plants  introduced  into  the  United  States. 

"  J'avais  introduit  dans  les  Etas-Unis  la  celebre  Rhubarbe  de  Tartarie, 
celle  a  feuilles  entieres,  et  celle  dite  Rhoeum  palmatmn ;  M.  Delatullaye  au 
quel  je  les  avais  procurees  les  a  conservees  plusieures  ann6es ;  elles  prosp6- 
raient  et  fructifiaient  a  Baltimore,  comme  dans  leur  pays  natale." 
"  J'avait  apporte'  dans  mon  dernier  voyage  d'Europe  nombre  d'especes  de 
graminees;  dans  ma  collection  ^talent  vingt  six  especes  et  varietes  de 
sentences  certales,  vingt  quatre  des  plus  belles  especes  de  vignes,  de  la  cele- 
bre collection  du  Luxembourg  a  Paris  ;  des  avelincs,  les  pistaches  de  Verdua, 
des  oliriers,  le  fusnin,  le  gtnet  epincux,  excellent  pour  faire  des  haies,  des 
pruniers  de  la  meilleure  qualite,  des  chateignes  dites  marrons  de  Lyon,  c'est 
a  dire  de  la  plus  belle  espece  connu ;  deux  especes  de  noyers  a  tres  gros  fruit, 
4  especes  d'  aseroliers,  3  de  nefliers,  2  especes  de  frenes,  le  quercus  suber, 
dont  1'ecorce  fournit  le  liege,  et  enfin  le  quercus  robur,  le  meilleur  chene 
d'Europe  pour  la  duree  et  pour  la  construction.  Tout  cela  venait  a  mer- 
veille  ;\  Baltimore.  Les  vijjnes  prosperaient  au  gre  de  mes  desirs." 
"  II  y  a  deux  ans  que  je  fis  venir  de  France,  pour  un  jardinier  pepinieriste 
actif  et  intelligent,  une  caisse  contenant  24  especes  des  meilleures  pommes 
de  Normandie,  a  peu  pres  le  nnA:me  nombre  de  poires  et  toutes  les  vari(t6s  de 
fruits  qui  se  trouvent  eti  France.  Cette  caisse,  qui  n'excedait  pas  22  pouces 
en  tous  sens,  contenait  plus  de  mille  sujets,  parceque  je  m'  etais  contente  de 
ne  demander  que  des  grefles  de  tous  les  arbres  que  je  savais  pouvoir  etre 
entes  sur  ceux  de  ce  pays,  et  comme  elles  avaient  ete  prises  a  1'extremite 
dei  branches  de  1'annee  prec^dente,  aucnne  n'excedait  six  ousept  pouces  de 


36 

longueur,  ct  ne  depassait  pas  la  grosseur  d'une  plume  u  ecrire.  Elles 
etaieni  par  rangs,  pressees  entre  des  couches  de  mousse  fraiclie,  d'un  doigt 
j  d'epaisseur,  et  si  bien  empaquete.es  que  le  tout  est  arrive  ici  au  mois  de  Mars 
dans  le  meilleurs  etat  Tout  a  parfaitement  reussi,  et  j'ai  le  plaisir  de  voir 
que  les  jeunes  arbres  qui  les  portent  commencent  a  se  repandre  dans  le 
pays." 

2.    Of  our  INDIGENOUS  plants  introduced  into  Europe. 

"  Vous  m'avez  observe,  que,  '  le  locust  (Robinia),  nombre  d' espcces  du 
Magnolia,  Sic.  &.c.  depuis  longlems  embellissaient  V Europe;'  cela  est  vrai. 
Le  locust  a  et(5  introduit  en  France,  du  terns  meme  de  HENRY  IV,  dit  le 
grand,  c'est  a  dire,  vers  la  fin  du  seizieme  siecle.  J'ai  vu  le  populus  lulipK- 
feraftava  au  milieu  du  jardin  botanique  de  Caen,  que  j'ai  juge  a  sa  grosseur 
ne  pas  avoir  moins  de  soixante  ans ;  j'ai  vu  sa  variete  alba  a  Bordeaux 
dans  le  jardin  de  M.  Chaudfour,  pres  de  1'  ancien  jardin  des  Chartreux, 
aujourd'hui  convert!  en  Cemetiere,  qui  pouvait  avoir  quarante  ans  Au  Jar- 
din  des  Plantes  a.  Paris  il  y  en  a  une  allee  entiere,  mais  le  terrein  y  est  trop 
sablonneux,  et  trop  su;  cet  arbre  demande  un  sol  frais.  J'en  ai  vu  d'autres 
aux  environs  de  Paris  dans  une  position  plus  favorable,  qui  promettaient 
un  grand  deVeloppement.  Le  locust  Robinia  a  gagne  en  France.  Mr. 
Descemet,  celebre  botaniste  a  St.  Denis  pres  de  Paris,  est  parvenu  a  en 
obtenir  une  espece  ou  variete  absolument  inermis,  et  dans  de  doubles  propor- 
tions relativement  au  feuillage  et  a  la  fleur;  1'arbre  est  loin  d'etre  arrivS  au 
terme  de  sa  crue;  on  regarde  cette  acquisition  comme  prtcieuse  sous  la  rap- 
port du  fourrage."  *  *  *  *  "  Tous  les  arbres  d'agrement  jusqu'a  pre- 
sent d6couverts  aux  Etas-Unis  ont  6t6  introduit  en  France." 

"  M.  Michaux,  auteur  du  Sylva  Americana,  et  un  de  mes  intimes  amis, 
convaincu  del'  inutilite  des  plantations  particulieres  pour  la  conservation  des 
arbres  forestiers,  est  parvenu  a  persuader  le  gouverncment  de  la  necessite 
de  faire  des  semis  en  grands,  et  de  les  placer  de  suite  dans  les  lieux  que  la 
nature  leur  a  designe;  c'est  au  milieu  des  forets  del'Etat  que  se  font  en  plan- 
tations, qu'on  a  soin  de  prot6ger  contre  les  entreprises  des  lupins  et  des  betes 
fauves,  pendant  les  premieres  annees,  par  des  enclos  Jegers,  mais  suffisants 
pour  1'objet  propos6.  On  est  parvenu  par  ce  raoyen  a  introduire  trente 
mille  chenes  de  semis  sortant  des  Etas-unis.  C'est  moi  qui  ai  fait  cet  envoy, 
ct  M.  Michaux  m'eri  a  mande"  le  sacre,  en  me  disant  qu'on  avait  donne  mon 
nom  a  la  section  de  la  forets  qui  les  contenait,  sur  le  plan  qu'on  en  avait 
tire."  *  *  *  *  "  Le  Maryland  seul  m'a  fourni  16  especes  ou  varietes  du 
quercus,  8  du  juglans,  5  de  1'acer,  3  du  fraxinus,  2  du  liquidambor  dit  sweet 
gum,  2  du  nyssa,  dit  gum  tree,  3  de  1'ulmus,  2  dufagus,  &.c.  *  *  *  Mr. 
Michaux  m'  observe  que  la  crue  des  chenes  du  Nord  de  1'Amerique  est  bien 
plus  accelerce  que  celle  des  chenes  indigenes  d'Europe." 

Pour  la  vie,  Votre  bien  affectionnee  ami;  vale. 

VICTOR  LEROY. 


37 

Ample  details,  in  regard  to  the  culture  of  indigenous  and  exotick  plants 
HI  the  United  States,  may  be  found  in  several  excellent  repositories  of  Agri- 
cultural and  Horticultural  knowledge  ;  particularly,  the  AMERICAN  FARMER, 
which  is  very  ably  conducted  by  Mr.  Skinner  at  Baltimore  ;  the  NEW-Esc- 
I.AND  FAKMER  AND  HORTICULTURAL  JOURNAL,  which  Mr.  Fessenden  edits  with 
great  zeal  and  talent  at  Boston  ;  and  the  NKW-YORK  FARMER  AND  HORTI- 
CULTURAL REPOSITORY,  on  the  management  of  which,  it  may  be  stated  with 
pleasure,  Mr.  Lyman  has  recently  resolved  to  enter,  in  connection  with  Mr. 
Halsey,  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  New-fork  Hort.  Soc. 


D. 
LETTERS 

FROM  DR.  PASCALIS,  ON  THE  CULTURE  OP  SILK. 


"  REV.  J.  F.  SCHROEDER, 

"  Dear  Sir, 

"  The  culture  of  the  Mulberry  tree  is  to  be  entrusted  to 
the  Horticulturists  of  our  City  and  State;  and  as  an  inducement  to  serve  the 
publick,  in  promoting  its  extension,  and  the  most  genuine  crops,  it  is  interest- 
ing to  consider  its  beneficial  results." 

"  One  ounce  of  Mulberry  seed,  well  raised,  gives  16,000  trees.  Ten 
trees,  after  three  years  nursery,  a-e  sufficient  to  feed  one  ounce  of  eggs,  that 
is  40,000  cocoons.  These  cocoons,  at  sixteen  to  the  ounce,  will  afford  136 
pounds  and  a  fraction  of  raw  silk,  which,  at  2£  oz.  of  reeled  silk  per  pound, 
make  a  little  more  than  191bs.  of  perfect  silk,  (from  ten  trees  and  one  ounce 

of  eggs,)  which  are  worth  114  dollars  in  that  genuine  state." 

"  The  possible  income  from  one  ounce  of  seed  being  16,000  trees,  is  or  may  be 
equal  to  $182,400;  and  that  from  one  pound  of  the  same  seed  $2,918,400." 
"  Very  respectfully,  dear  Sir, 
Your  ob't  serv't, 

FELIX  PASCALIS." 


Silk  may  be  raised  with  advantage,  throughout  the  Union.  The  culture 
of  it,  in  this  country,  commenced  at  a  very  remote  period.  As  early  as  the 
year  1623,  it  commanded  attention  in  VIRGINIA;  in  1656,  it  was  encouraged 
by  the  government  with  rewards,  and  the  planting  of  the  mulberry  was  at 
the  same  time  required  by  penalties. 


38 


Upon  the  settlement  of  GEORGIA  in  1732,  lands  were  granted,  on  condi- 
tion of  the  culture  of  this  tree.  In  1735,  eight  pounds  of  raw  silk,  sent  to 
England  from  Savannah,  were  made  into  a  piece  and  presented  to  the  Queen. 
The  exports,  from  1750  to  1754  inclusive,  were  $8.880;  in  1759  they  amount- 
ed to  10,001bs.  of  raw  silk,  which  sold  at  two  or  three  shillings  higher  than 
that  of  any  other  country  ;  and  in  1766,  there  were  exported  more  than 
twenty  thousand  pounds  weight  of  cocoons  ! 

Mrs.  Pinckney  of  SOUTH  CAROLINA,  in  the  year  1755,  raised  and  spun, 
in  the  vicinity  of  Charleston,  as  much  silk  as  was  required  for  three  dresses ; 
one  of  which  was  presented  to  the  Princess  Dowager  of  Wales ;  another  to 
Lord  Chesterfield ;  and  the  third,  in  1809,  was  at  Charleston,  in  the  posses- 
sion of  Mrs.  Horry. 

At  the  recommendation  of  Dr.  Franklin,  considerable  attention  was 
directed  to  the  culture  of  silk  in  PENNSYLVANIA,  soon  after  the  year  1770. 

At  Cayuga  in  NEW- YORK,  during  the  late  war  with  England.  Mr.  Chid- 
sey  sold  sewing  silk,  of  domestick  manufacture,  to  the  annual  amount  of 
$600. 

In  Windham  County,  CONNECTICUT,  the  culture  of  the  white  mulberry 
was  introduced  in  1760;  and  it  was  greatly  encouraged  at  New-Haven,  by 
Dr.  Ezra  Styles.  In  1789,  two  hundred  pounds  of  raw  silk  were  made  at 
Mansfield,  where,  at  the  present  time,  three-fourths  of  all  its  families  are 
occupied  in  raising  silk.  Fear  after  year  they  are  producing,  severally,  5, 
10,  20,  or  501bs. ;  the  success  attending  some  is,  occasionally,  100  Ibs. ;  and 
during  the  last  season  (1827),  it  was  estimated,  that  the  aggregate  amount 
in  this  town  only,  was  2,430  Ibs  ! 

The  "  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  &c.  in  relation  to  the 
growth  and  manufacture  of  silk,"  from  which  these  facts  have  been  derived, 
abounds  with  the  most  animating  encouragements  to  domestick  industry. 
A  great  influence  must  be  exerted  on  our  trade  in  silk,  during  the  lapse  of 
the  next  five  and  twenty  years ;  and  with  confidence  it  may  be  anticipated, 
that  before  they  have  revolved,  the  value  of  imported  silks  will  not,  as  in  the 
year  1825,  exceed  ten  millions  !  [See  Report  of  Committee  on  Agricult.  in 
H9use  of  Repres.  May  2,  1826.]  Attention  has  been  awakened;  enterprise 
is  active ;  and  while  1  write,  the  precious  insect  is  at  its  toil. 

Vellera  mine  foliis  depectunt  tenuia  Seres. 


39 

E. 
REMARKS 

ON  CERTAIN  PLANTS  IN  THE  SOUTH  OP  AFRICA,  AND  ON  A  PECULIA- 
RITY OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THAT  REGION. 


So  large  a  number  of  plants,  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  in  the  ad- 
joining region,  are  destitute  of  fragrance  that  it  has  been  said:  "  In  the 
South  of  Africa  flowers  have  no  smell."  [See  Colebrooke's  State  of  the  Cape, 
p.  158.  sec.  Malte-Brun,  Vol  IV.  B.  LXX.]  And  while  Oriental  perfumes  are 
withheld,  the  STAPELIAS  abound,  and  yield  a  savour  that  is  agreeable  to  the 
degraded  Hottentot.  Writing  to  me  on  this  subject,  my  father  says :  "  la 
Donn's  Catalogue  are  given  55  Stapelias,  all  of  which  have  been  brought 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  only;  and  as  far  as  I  am  acquainted  with  this 
plant  and  its  varieties,  of  which  I  have  had  several,  they  are  all  very  disa- 
greeable in  smell.  I  now  have  in  my  green-house  a  STAPELIA  hirsuta,  as 
Dr.  Thornton  calls  it  in  his  Temple  of  Flora,  and  it  has  often  been  blown  by 
the  flies  which  it  attracts." 


In  a  Communication,  with  which  I  have  favoured  by  Dr.  S.  L.  Mitchill, 
on  the  alleged  peculiarity  of  the  Boschmen,  the  Dr.  writes:  "  Idiosyncrasies 
in  regard  to  the  sense  of  smell  are  numerous.  There  are  individuals  of  the 
human  family  who  have  not  the  power  of  distinguishing  odours  of  any  kind. 
I  have  known  several  such  persons ;  and  they  are  in  a  situation,  analogous 
to  those  who  are  born  deaf  and  blind.  It  has  been  supposed  that  brute 
animals  have  not  the  ability  to  distinguish  aromatick  emanations ;  but  the 
proof  of  this  conjecture  is  merely  negative.  It  is  told  of  Louis  XIV.  of 
France,  that  perfumes  were  generally  unpleasant  to  him ;  and  certain  Asia- 
ticks,  in  ancient  times,  employed  assa  foctida  as  a  condiment,  calling  the 
very  substance  which  we  have  nicknamed  Stercus  diaboli,  the  food  of  the 
gods."  Wifti  his  characteristick  learning,  the  Dr.  then  cites  the  Tartars, 
and  the  St.  Kilda  Islanders,  as  distinguished  by  the  same  peculiarity,  which 
is  attributed  to  the  natives  of  South  Africa. 


Whatever  may  be  the  fact,  in  reference  to  the  particular  example  here 
illustrated,  the  general  truth  that  has  been  alleged  is  certainly  demonstra- 
ble : — The  vegetable  families  subserve  the  wants  of  man,  as  he  exists,  in  dif 
ferent  regions  of  the  earth. 


40 

The  cistern  trunk  of  the  vast  ban  tree,  when  once  filled  with  water  in  the 
Spring  months  of  rain,  supplies  refreshment  in  the  midst  of  Africans  hot 
sands,  during  the  intense  heat  of  a  protracted  summer.  The  abundant  sap 
of  the  Lianne,  on  the  parched  rocks  of  the  Antilles,  is  a  salubrious  and 
limpid  vegetable  fountain.  The  raining-tree  of  the  Canaries,  and  the  bussa 
butyracea  of  Indostan;  the  Lapland  hair-moss,  the  New  Zealand  flax  plant, 
the  Kamtchatka  lily,  and  the  coroa-nut  of  the  Nicobar  Islands ;  the  breeid- 
fruit  ot  the  South  Seas,  and  the  date-palm  of  the  desert  of  Zahara,  afford  a 
few  only  of  the  innumerable  testimonies,  that  proclaim  with  a  sublime  elo- 
quence : 

"  There's  mercy  in  every  place." 

"  O  Lord !  how  manifold  are  thy  works !  in  wisdom  hast  thou  made 
tfiem  all." 


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